Bylaws of the Tucson Local Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America

Note: These bylaws are currently under revision by the Chapter and are subject to change. Please use our Contact Form if you have any questions about our bylaws (current or undergoing revision).

ARTICLE I. Name.

The name of the Local Chapter shall be the Tucson Local Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), or Tucson DSA. DSA​ ​is​ ​a​ ​not-for-profit​ ​corporation.

ARTICLE II. Purpose.

The Tucson Local Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America seeks to facilitate the transition to a truly democratic and socialist society, one in which the means and resources of production are democratically and socially controlled.

ARTICLE III. Membership.

Section 1.  Membership.

a. Members of the Tucson Local Chapter of DSA will be those individuals whose dues to national DSA are paid in full, who reside and/or work in the Tucson area. Individuals may not be members of the Local Chapter without being members of national DSA.

b. It will be the responsibility of members to take part in chapter votes on steering committee elections and on procedural matters. It is also members' responsibility to engage with the chapter and one another in good faith, and to abide by the Tucson DSA Discord Server rules.

c. Members are considered in “good standing” provided that they are considered in good standing with DSA National. DSA National considers members to be in “good standing” provided that they pay annual dues. 

Section 2.  Removal of Members.

The Local Chapter may only remove a member through one of the two following ways:

a. By a two-thirds vote of the Local Chapter meeting after the following takes place:

i. The member is found to be in substantial disagreement with the central principles or policies of DSA National or Tucson DSA, or if they are found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic or disruptive behavior;

ii. Another DSA member formally proffers written charges against the member in question to the Local Chapter Executive Committee, which then sets the date of a Local Chapter meeting for deliberation on the charges;

iii. The member in question receives a copy of the written charges against them and notice of the Local Chapter meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before said meeting to allow them the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.

b. Under special circumstances, by a two-thirds vote of the Local Chapter Executive Committee after the following takes place:

i. The Local Chapter Harassment and Grievance Officer (“HGO”) receives a complaint alleging that the member in question is in substantial disagreement with the central principles or policies of DSA National or Tucson DSA, are consistently engaging in undemocratic or disruptive behavior;

ii. The Local Chapter HGO completes an appropriate investigation and finds that the member in question is, in fact, in substantial disagreement with the central principles or policies of DSA National or Tucson DSA, are consistently engaging in undemocratic or disruptive behavior, or are under the discipline of any self-defined democratic centralist organization after giving the member in question sufficient written notice and opportunity to defend themselves against the complaint;

iii. The Local Chapter HGO submits their findings to a duly selected Steering Committee along with a recommendation of expulsion and a finding of “special circumstances” warranting expulsion pursuant to this subsection. “Special circumstances” include, but are not limited to, the presence of existing or potential collateral legal proceedings arising from the allegations in the complaint, reputational injury or defamation of a party, or compelling privacy interests of a party; and

After considering the Local Chapter HGO’s findings and recommendations, the Steering Committee further recommends to the Local Chapter Executive Committee that the member in question be expelled from Chapter membership. The Steering Committee’s recommendation for expulsion must be made by a two-thirds vote.

Expulsion of a member need only occur if either subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this Section takes place, not both. An expelled member is not allowed to vote or attend Local Chapter meetings, but may appeal to the National Political Committee of DSA. No member of the Local Chapter Executive Committee may be a member of any Steering Committee assembled pursuant to this Section. The procedures of any investigation conducted by the Local Chapter HGO pursuant to this Section shall mirror the procedures set out in Harassment Policy (Resolution 33) of DSA National and Tucson DSA’s local Harassment and Grievance Policy. Nothing in this Section is intended to abridge or modify Local or National harassment policies or procedures pursuant to Harassment Policy (Resolution 33) of DSA National or Tucson DSA’s local Harassment and Grievance Policy. This Section applies retroactively to pending complaints made to the Local Chapter HGO and prospectively to all such complaints made in the future.

Section 3.  Voluntary Donations.

As mandated by the national constitution and bylaws, the Local Chapter may establish a Local Chapter pledge system of voluntary donations for its members. The payment of a Local Chapter donation may not be a requirement for voting or for holding Local Chapter office. 

Section 4.   Privacy concerns.

Care will be taken to protect the privacy of each member. Member information shall only be shared internally on a need-to-know basis as determined by the Steering Committee. 

ARTICLE IV.  Local Chapter Meetings

Section 1. General Meetings

a. The Local Chapter will hold General Meetings at least four times annually, the time and place of which shall be set in a schedule published and distributed by the Steering Committee. The General Meetings will set Local Chapter policy and work priorities, and they will include political education sessions. The Steering Committee must notify membership of General Meetings at least fourteen (14) days in advance. 

b. The Steering Committee shall publish a proposed agenda for each General Meeting no less than five (5) days prior to that meeting. Once published, any additional revisions or additions will need to take place at the General Meeting. In urgent matters, the agenda may be revised after its publication, but will require a two-thirds (2/3) majority Steering Committee vote.

Section 2.  Emergency Meetings.

The Steering Committee may call an Emergency Meeting of the Local Chapter on five days’ notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation.

Section 3.  Quorum.

A quorum of 10 percent of the members-in-good-standing of Tucson DSA is required for General or Emergency Meetings to transact business.  

ARTICLE V.  Local Chapter Officers: Powers and Duties.

Section 1.  Officers and Terms.

a. The elected officers of the Local Chapter will be two Co-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, Communications Coordinator, Field Coordinator, Onboarding Coordinator, Research/Data Coordinator, Labor Coordinator, Mutual Aid Coordinator, and Harassment & Grievance Officer. The term of office will be one year, and shall run from February 1 to January 31 or until their successors are elected.

b. The elected officers of the Local Chapter cannot hold a single position of the chapter for more than two (2) consecutive terms. 

Section 2.  Vacancies.

In the event of a vacancy in any Local Chapter office, the Steering Committee will appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term. Any such replacement will be subject to a confirmation vote at the next General Meeting. 

Section 3.  Co-Chairs.

a. The Co-Chairs will be the chief executive officers of the Local Chapter. They will preside over Local Chapter and Steering Committee meetings or will appoint a substitute to facilitate. The Co-Chairs will be the official public spokespersons for the Local Chapter and will initiate such actions and policies as the Local Chapter’s general welfare may demand.  

b. The Co-Chairs will be responsible also for coordinating the day-to-day operations and political work of the Local Chapter. 

c. Upon the beginning of their term of office, the Co-Chairs should discuss the allocation of tasks and duties necessary to operate the chapter and its activities.

Section 4.  Secretary.  

a. The Secretary will be responsible for answering all correspondence and queries of the Local Chapter, and for maintaining an up-to-date membership list of the Local Chapter. They will ensure effective communication with national DSA. They will temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Co-Chair, if neither Co-Chair is able to do so. 

b. The Secretary will be responsible also for the taking of minutes of all Local Chapter and Steering Committee Meetings, and shall have custody of these minutes, and the resolutions, reports and other official records of the Local Chapter.  They shall transfer official records in good condition to their successor.  Official records shall include meeting minutes and member lists.

c. The Secretary will also oversee the elections of chapter officers and delegates.

Section 5.  Treasurer.

The Treasurer will be responsible for the funds and financial records of the Local Chapter.  All funds collected by the Local Chapter will be turned over to the Treasurer, who shall deposit them in a bank account under the name of the Local Chapter.  In cooperation with the Secretary, the Treasurer will be responsible for ensuring that membership dues are paid up-to-date. The Treasurer will prepare the annual Local Chapter budget and deliver periodic progress reports as requested by the Steering Committee.

Section 6.   Communications Coordinator.

The Communications Coordinator will be responsible for managing the social media communications of the Local Chapter, the email list and press releases. They will work closely with Co-Chairs and other Steering Committee members to develop messaging for campaigns and to grow chapter membership. 

Section 7.  Field Coordinator

The Field Coordinator is responsible for developing field strategy and setting goals with clear metrics for campaigns, scheduling and leading petitioning events, and training and managing field organizers.

Section 8.  Onboarding Coordinator.

The Onboarding Coordinator is responsible for reaching out to new dues paying members and community members who take action with the chapter and bringing them into chapter organizing. The Onboarding Coordinator will work closely with the Co-Chairs and all other Steering Committee members to identify needed roles in the chapter, as well as how people’s individual talents and lived experiences fit into chapter organizing. 

Section 9. Research/Data Coordinator.

The Research/Data Coordinator is responsible for identifying areas of needed research and delegating tasks to member researchers. They are also responsible for making sure petition and other data is entered into Action Network and similar tools. 

Section 10. Labor Coordinator.

The Labor Coordinator is responsible for being the point person for union relationships, setting and accomplishing strategic goals for unions’ support of campaigns and making sure union outreach is based on power mapping, and tracking that outreach. 

Section 11. Mutual Aid Coordinator

The Mutual Aid Coordinator is responsible for being the chapter’s liaison to mutual aid groups and working with the communications lead to make sure chapter social media and other forms of communication amplify mutual aid work in Tucson.

Section 12. Harassment & Grievance Officers 

The Harassment and Grievance Officers (“HGOs”) are responsible for overseeing the investigation of Members accused of engaging in prohibited behavior according to the Harassment Policy (Resolution 33) of DSA. HGOs are not members of the Steering Committee. 

Section 13.  Additional Duties.

The Local Chapter Steering Committee may assign additional temporary duties to an officer of the Local Chapter. 

ARTICLE VI.  Steering Committee.

Section 1.  Composition.

The Steering Committee will be composed of all the officers of the Local Chapter. 

Section 2.  Duties.

a. The Steering Committee administers the affairs of the Local Chapter and oversees the implementation of the decisions of the General Meetings; it may also propose policy to the General Meetings. It shall have the power to receive reports of any committee or branch, and advise thereon, to call emergency meetings of the Local Chapter, and to act on any matter that requires immediate and urgent action. The Steering Committee is the regular executive body of the Local Chapter, and thus subordinate to its Legislative body, the General Meeting.

b. The Steering Committee will be responsible for establishing program activities for the Local Chapter, for proposing guidelines and policies that will subsequently be voted on by members in good standing of DSA, and for acting on the organization’s behalf between Local Chapter meetings.

Section 3.  Meetings.

The meetings of the Steering Committee will be held at the call of one of the Co-Chairs at such intervals as may be determined by a prior Steering Committee Meeting or by consultation with six members of the Steering Committee.  All members of the Steering Committee must (ordinarily) be given four days oral, written, or electronic notice of regular Steering Committee Meetings; a 24-hour notice may be given under special emergency circumstances.

Section 4.  Quorum.

A quorum of six members of the Steering Committee is required for the transaction of Steering Committee business. 

Section 5. Asynchronous voting. 

In some circumstances, asynchronous voting on less important matters or time sensitive matters may be necessary for the Steering Committee to carry out its duties. The details and results of the asynchronous voting must be shared with chapter members.

ARTICLE VIII.  Committees.

Section 1.  Duration.

The Local Chapter will have Ad Hoc Committees or Working Groups. Ad Hoc Committees may be established by a majority of members in good standing at a General Meeting of the Local Chapter.

Section 2.  Duties.

Chairs or leadership of Ad Hoc Committees or Working Groups will keep the Steering Committee and the Regular Meetings of the Local Chapter informed on the activities of the committee. 

Section 3. Dissolution. 

Ad Hoc Committees or Working Groups can be dissolved by a supermajority of the Steering Committee or by a majority vote of membership. 

ARTICLE IX.  Delegates to National, Regional, and State Bodies.

 Section 1.  Convention.

Local Chapter delegates and alternates to the National Convention will be elected by members in good standing of the Local Chapter of DSA.  Elections for the National Convention delegation shall be held on the schedule announced by the national organization.

ARTICLE X.  Prohibited Activity

Tucson Local Chapter shall not engage in activity prohibited by the IRS guidelines established for 501 (c) 4 organizations or similar rules established by the state of Arizona. Nor shall the Local Chapter engage in any activity prohibited by resolutions adopted by DSA’s National Convention or DSA’s National Political Committee.

ARTICLE XI.  Officer Elections and Delegate Nominations

Section 1. Officer Elections. 

Elections run for a week and are overseen by the Secretary. The elections are virtual. If the Secretary is unavailable to oversee elections, the Steering Committee may select another Steering Committee member to oversee an election. 

Section 2.  Delegate Nominations Process.

Nominations for Local Chapter officers and delegates to the National Convention shall be opened 10 days before and closed at the election meeting. The call for nominations shall be announced to all members in good standing of DSA as soon as nominations are open.  

Section 3.  Uncontested.

If a position is uncontested, the nominee or candidate may be declared elected by acclamation. If any member objects to such an election by acclamation, members must vote “yes” or “no” for the nominee.

Section 4. Recalls 

Local Chapter officers may be recalled by a simple majority of a General Meeting. Notice for recall 

ARTICLE XII.  Amendments.

Proposed amendments to these Bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five members of the Local Chapter of DSA, and submitted to the Steering Committee a month in advance of a General Meeting. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Local Chapter membership with two weeks’ written or electronic notice of the proposed amendments. The amendment must be approved by a majority vote of two consecutive General meetings.

ARTICLE XIII. The Tucson DSA Discord Server. 

Section 1. Purpose

The Tucson DSA discord exists to coordinate chapter activities and organize, to provide an asynchronous forum outside of General Meetings, and to serve as a digital community space for members to socialize.

Section 2. Moderation

The Steering Committee is responsible for the moderation of the discord. The day-to-day operation is to be handled by the Secretary and Onboarding Coordinator. Discord-specific rules shall be set and voted upon by the Steering Committee by a majority vote. 

Section 3. Ownership and Inheritance 

The Tucson DSA Discord Server ownership will be assigned to a chapter-email associated discord account to avoid issues of inheritance and deletion. The log-in information for the chapter-email associated discord account will be available to the Steering Committee. 

ARTICLE XVI.  Rules of the Local Chapter.

Section 1. Rules.

The Rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, will govern this Local Chapter in cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws. Consensus decision-making is desirable where feasible, but meetings must submit to Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised upon the request of a member.

Section 2. Action Out of Order.

Any action taken by an officer or member of the Local Chapter in contravention of these Bylaws is null and void.